Know Before You Buy: Things You Should Consider When Buying a New Mattress

Everybody needs sleep - a complete and comfortable one, at that. This function is one of the primary keys that allows the mind to recharge and the body to gain its strength again. However, there are times that this natural human ability is interfered with because of an old and worn-out mattress. 

Of course, there may still be other factors why you can't seem to sleep comfortably at night, but your mattress also plays a big part here. If your current one is already 6 to 8 years old, has lost its shape, and is now sagging, then chances are you might need to buy a new one. Before you make your purchase, there are a few general things you must know first. This could ensure the smoothest possible transaction while you're looking for the right mattress for you.

Choose whether to buy in-store or online

The first step to take when looking for the best mattress to buy is to know where you want to make your purchase. First, you could go to showrooms personally, especially if you're going to try the mattress yourself. Another advantage is checking the quality and appearance and judging whether it feels like it's the perfect mattress.

On the other hand, one disadvantage of buying in brick-and-mortar stores is sales pressure. Often, a salesperson is assigned to accommodate you, and while some of them can be objective about their mattresses, most will steer you towards the latest hot pick that might not even suit your needs. As an alternative, another option you can do is to buy online.

Even though you can't try the product yourself when you shop online, you can still compare prices better, don't have to feel pressured, and some companies even have better return policies compared to in-stores. 

Get to know the mattress

After deciding whether to buy in-store or online, the next step requires you to be an informed shopper. To be one entails that you have enough knowledge about mattresses, even the most basic ones. Thus, you can start by getting familiar with the different types, comfort levels, and sizes.

Mattress Types

Due to technological advancements, many mattress options are now available in the market. With that, the chances of meeting the different needs and preferences of every individual are high. However, it can also get understandably overwhelming. To help you avoid being in this situation, it would be helpful to know the three main types of mattresses first.  

• Foam - nowadays, one of the most commonly used types of mattress is foam. Foam mattresses are made of materials that make the foam dense. A dense bed allows for proper body-conforming, great for support, comfort, and pressure relief. The most common types are memory foam, gel-infused, or latex.

• Innerspring is the most traditional type of mattress containing coil springs, usually made of metal, at its core. The springs serve as its support system, and thanks to modern upgrades, the recent innerspring designs are more stable and comfortable than before. 

• Hybrid mattresses combine an inner coil spring support system with layers of foam, either latex, memory foam, polyfoam, or gel-infused foams. The coil technology allows the user to experience less motion transfer without the sinking sensation you usually get when using pure foam mattresses.   

Other types have also emerged in the mattress industry, including water beds, air mattresses, or the more advanced intelligent mattresses, which allow you to check vital signs and regulate the mattress temperature.

Level of Comfort

Understanding your comfort level is also an important consideration. After all, at the end of the day, what you're looking for in a mattress is comfort. In this case, you have to know what firmness level will suit your needs and preferences. 

As a tip, you can start by knowing what kind of sleeper you are. For example, choose the softer range to provide pressure relief in your hips and shoulders if you prefer to sleep on your sides. Meanwhile, if you are a stomach or back sleeper, a flat, stable surface can help align your spine, which means you can choose the comfort level between medium or firm.

Size

Mattresses also have different sizes. These include king, California king, queen, full, twin, twin XL, and single. Of course, when choosing a mattress size, you have to take into account other factors as well, such as the size of your room, its available space, your sleeping behavior (how much you move around), and who you will be sharing it with.

Secure your finances

When you make a financial plan, you usually include long-term goals and ways to support what you currently need. Although you don't have to buy mattresses as frequently as changing your lightbulbs, you still have to set aside a budget in case you have an emergency. In this way, you won't have to settle with low-quality mattresses.

In terms of setting a budget, make sure that it is the price you can afford to pay. You don't have to push yourself into purchasing the most expensive one available in the store. Some mattresses also offer quality but aren't too expensive at all. The most important thing is that it can give you enough comfort and support that you need to have a good sleep.  

Takeaway

The thought of being warm and fuzzy when you sleep at night makes sleeping even more exciting. However, if your mattress gives you muscle sores, allergies, and discomfort, what's not exciting. When this happens, it's time for you to get a new one. To help you begin your mattress journey, you can start with the things mentioned above.